CCG Book Club -Series 1
I am uber excited to introduce a new series on the CCG blog! On New Year’s Eve, one of the many resolutions or promises I made to myself for the coming year was to read more books. Read ahead to see why I am adding more books into my life and how to join in.
I can remember the exact moment where it dawned on me. I was watching Real Housewives of New Jersey and Neil walked into our bedroom with an immediate over exaggerated eye roll and some sort of man growl. “Why do you watch these shows?”, he said as he plopped his body onto his side of the bed. Neil can’t stand most of these reality shows. He will on occasion watch RHNY, RHBH or Bachelor. (No, he didn’t like Arie and don’t tell him I told ya!) Anything that involves excessive crying or cat fights, Neil is quick to change the channel or complain until I do. Let’s face it, at the end of the day, after a day full of cooking, crying, messes, cleaning, getting four kids to bed and anything else a Mom must cater to, I like to watch the occasional show where my brain isn’t needed to work. Does that make sense to anyone out there? That night, I came to the realization, that maybe I should spend more time reading and less time watching T.V.
Don’t get me wrong, I have always loved to read. It’s something I had a voracious appetite for as a kid and it did follow through into adulthood. However, as the years went by, children being born and a business to tend to, I just didn’t seem to have the “me time” to read. Most days, I don’t even get a shower without one or more children whining at the glass door as I take three minutes to myself. Since my surgery, Neil and I have made an effort to do more “us” time, but why haven’t I done anything about needing more “me” time? This is when the CCG Book Club was born.
So, I took a trip to the store and began my pursuit to find the perfect book to kick this series off. I ended up leaving with not just one book, but four and I am so over the moon for the first of many selections I make. I hope you enjoy reading along with me and checking in to talk about each book as well.
The first book is “The Lying Game” written by Ruth Ware. Not only is she a New York Times bestseller, but this book was also featured in multiple magazines with a variety of amazing reviews. This latest mystery, by Ruth Ware, is an all- consuming, riveting tale, full of mind games and edgy suspense. This novel is about four women who have been carrying a terrible secret since their school days, a secret that is about to be literally unearthed. Isa, Kate, Thea and Fatima all attended the same seaside boarding school. While there, they played what they called The Lying Game. They lied to everyone but adhered to the one rule they laid down – never lie to each other. Their game and time together abruptly comes to an end when something tragic occurs and the girls are expelled and separated. After years and moving on without each other, a simple text was sent, “I need you”.
Are you ready to get reading?! I started chapter one last night and I am hooked! I have linked this book below (click the picture) so you can purchase it and have it shipped for free with two day shipping. Let’s begin reading this together and have a weekly discussion regarding the ins and outs of each chapter. Are you in the Bay Area and interested in meeting once a month for a book club meeting? Well, that is in the works! Please email subscribe to get the details on all of that information as it comes out and join the interest list for our monthly book club meeting!
Happy reading!
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April
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I LOVE when all the flowers are blooming in our yard but man, my allergies are HORRENDOUS 🤣 I went outside to garden and came right back in 10 minutes later.
Woke up with an insane migraine….but at least my closet it clean! 🤣 #blueandwhiteforever #springcleaning
Give me all the #gingham
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
Did ya read the newest post on our latest #DIY over on Apriljwagner.com (link in profile) Get in depth details on our recent entertainment space including step-by-step directions, photos, before and afters AND I linked ALL the items as well. #diyproject #diyhomeprojects
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This is an insanely easy way to make Raspberry Lemon Tarts with minimal steps and ingredients! As much as I love making lemon curd from scratch, sometimes, it’s just nice to cut some corners!
•6-7 oz of Lemon Curd (I used @mackays) you will have left over. I showed the second half of my tarts being made.
•2 packs of puff pastry
•8 oz of whipped cream (I made my own with heavy whipping cream and a little vanilla extract and sugar)
•20 raspberries
Preheat the oven to 400°. Using a cookie cutter or top of a cup (approx 2 inches), cut circles out of the puff pastry. Place the circles of puff pastry into each mini muffin pan cup. Don’t forget to spray the mini muffin pan with nonstick spray like avocado oil! Place on the oven for 10-12 minutes. In a bowl, add the lemon curd and whipped cream and mix well. Stick in the refrigerator until the puff pastry is baked and cooled down. Add the lemon mixture to the puff pastry cups (tip: take a spoon after the puff pastry comes out of the oven and push the centers in). Add raspberry to the top and a little powdered sugar and there ya have it! Super easy, mini bite size desserts that are perfect for that Mothers Day brunch coming up! #puffpastry #minidesserts #easyrecipes
It’s that time of year where I can wear white pants again 🙌🏻🤣 Yay for Spring….
Always sad leaving our favorite camping spot…we’ve been bringing the kids here 2-3 times a year for the last 5 years and it never gets old. Sure, we could bring them to SoCal, where it’s warmer and packed with a crap ton of people. However, we much prefer the cooler weather (helps with my POTS), rocky cliffs, less people and you travel through the redwood forest (which looks like a storybook). We love it up here and fantasize about moving somewhere like this once Nicky graduates. See you in June Westport….
In my happy place for a long weekend….Comment COAST and I’ll send the link for this cute sweater (comes in East Coast too)!
https://liketk.it/59GmV #ltktravel #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert #coastalstyle #california #oceanview #beachday
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from Dakota Timber Co! I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from @dakotatimberco I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
It’s the ultimate twirling dress! 🙌🏻
Comment TWIRL below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/59b8R #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert
SAVE AND SHARE THIS POST! Check out my Strawberry Cheese Heary Pastries! Perfect for that #galentinesday brunch or for dessert with your loved ones. So yummy and the perfect serving size!
•Preheat oven 400 (this bakes approximately 15 min)
•2 sheets Puff Pastry
•1 egg yolk and 1 egg (for egg wash)
•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•10-12 strawberries
Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake for approx. 15 min) Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your puff pastry hearts and then use a knife to trace a heart into them. Brush on egg wash and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk and sugar. Add the cheese mixture to your little hearts (only spreading it up to the line you scored). Add fresh sliced strawberries and bake for 15-20 min! This is SO EASY AND SOOOOO GOOD! #recipeoftheday #danish #dessertrecipe #brunchrecipe #recipereel
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This recipe, by far, was a follower favorite last year! So so easy and omg so good! It’s a great brunch #recipe or dessert!
•store bought puff pastry
•raspberries or raspberry jam (I like fresh fruit better)
•6-8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 egg YOLK only
•powdered sugar
•sliced almonds
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out your puff pastry and cut slices down each side (approximately 1 inch) leaving the center intact and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Place the cheese mixture in the center of your puff pastry ( you may have extra leftover). Sprinkle fresh raspberries on top of the cheese. Fold each side of puff pastry one at a time in a lattice pattern. Brush some egg wash on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and fresh almonds on top for the finishing touch.
This is perfect for Valentines Day and I dare you to try it! #RECIPE #easyrecipe #recipeshare #brunchrecipe #dessert #recipereels
SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels #easterbrunch #brunchrecipes
#AD Who loves a good facial exfoliant?! 🙋🏼♀️ I ran over to Walgreens to get my favorite @stivesskin Apricot Fresh Skin Exfoliating Facial Scrub. It’s made with 100% natural exfoliants (including milled walnut shells and apricot pits), free from parabens and oils and provides a deep cleanse leaving my skin feeling super clean and oh so smooth. I use this 3 times a week and it makes my skin glow. Dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic, vegan and fur baby friendly! It literally checks all the boxes! Want glowing skin? Try #StIves at #Walgreens #StIvespartner
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These ham and cheese hand pies are the perfect #stpatricksday snack! Super easy and so so good! You only need a few ingredients and a cookie cutter!
•clover cookie cutter
•puff pastry sheet
•Dijon mustard
•Swiss cheese
•corned beef (pastrami also tastes great)
•egg for egg wash
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use your cookie cutter on the puff pastry. Smear a good amount of Dijon mustard on half of them. Add the corned beef and cheese. Place the puff pastry on top like a sandwich. Using a fork, press down around each clover. Brush egg wash over and poke 4 little holes in the top. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. These are SOOOO YUMMY and quite a hit in our home! The kids love them! #puffpastry #cornedbeef #easyrecipe
I just binge watched Renovation Aloha and now I NEED another trip to Hawaii. It doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for us this year with Emma going to Boston for singing (we are tagging along for the last week). Buuuutttt, if we were to go……Which is your favorite and why? Big Island or Kauai? We’ve already been to Oahu and Maui and I love each of them for different reasons. PS, I painted all my doors in the house blue on a whim and I think I love them 💙
Comment DENIM and I’ll send you the details! I call this my errand running look….if you are on the fence about this denim jacket….DO IT!
Comment DENIM below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/57uSO #ltkover40 #ltkactive #ltkstyletip #denimjacket #momstyle #momfit
Megan| 11th Mar 18
This book looks like a very good read thanks so much for the recommendation
Nicole| 11th Mar 18
I am a reality junkie! The more mindless the better! But this is a great idea! I love Emily giffin books too!
April | 11th Mar 18
It’s actually by Ruth Ware 😉
Reginald Page| 11th Mar 18
Ruth Ware who is a New York Times bestseller, is one of those creative authors that I so much admire their creativity when put in writing.
This particular book titled The Lying Game is indeed going to be great buy and I think I will have to order mine soonest
Aiai| 11th Mar 18
Thanks for this recommendation, another book to be put on my book shelve 🙂 🙂
Neil Alvin Nicerio | 11th Mar 18
Great selection of books. 🙂
oursamyatra| 12th Mar 18
We love to read books. Thanks for nice review. We will surely read the book.
Renee| 12th Mar 18
I really enjoyed this book, and her other book The Woman in Cabin 10. But her first book, In a Dark Dark Wood, was my absolute favorite. Very talented writer!
Nisha| 12th Mar 18
Wow that’s a very cool story to start with! Will surely read this one in the future for sure 🙂
Ivonne | 12th Mar 18
Excellent book review. I love a book that grabs you in the first chapter and keeps you excitedly reading.
Devon| 12th Mar 18
Love this! I’ll have to add this book to my list
Nidhi Thawal| 12th Mar 18
Oh, this instantly excites the bibliophile in me! Will try to add this to my bookshelf asap! 🙂
Thenia| 12th Mar 18
This looks like a great book! I want to read it!!
Neha Rai| 12th Mar 18
Great suggestion for readers!!
Vinay Rai| 12th Mar 18
Good book.
Sonya Ali| 12th Mar 18
Definitely a book to get my hands on asap. By the way I love your blog!
Shannon| 12th Mar 18
I’m always looking for more books to add to my collection! Will def check this one out! xx Shannon || http://www.champagneatshannons.com
Monika| 12th Mar 18
I need to read that one! I’ve heard so many things. I am currently reading The Handmaid’s Tale.
Josh| 12th Mar 18
Im gonna add this in my list. This sounds interesting to read!!
Michelle Ng| 12th Mar 18
Thanks for recommending this book! I’ve been looking for a good book to read!
Grandma Evelyn | 12th Mar 18
Suggest you read ‘Secrect life of bees’. I really enjoyed it.
April | 13th Mar 18
Will do! I have heard that book is good!
Cristina| 13th Mar 18
Thanks for the recommendation! This year my goal is to get back into reading. I’ve already read 2 books and about to start another. I’ll have to add this one to my list 🙂